Interview: AGO CEO Matthew Teitlebaum speaks about Ai Wei Wei exhibit
Posted August 14, 2013 3:49 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
The Art Gallery of Ontario is taking a stand for freedom of expression and fundamental human rights by presenting an exhibit of works by Chinese dissident artist Ai Wei Wei whose giant sculptures have been on display at Nathan Phillips Square this summer.
Ai Wei Wei is still held hostage by the Chinese government which has his passport.
CEO and director of the Art Gallery of Ontario Matthew Teitlebaum spoke to showbiz editor Gloria Martin about the exhibit. Listen to the full interview below.
Teitlebaum is very emotional about the AGO presenting the show.
“It’s a public institution that is taking a position and becoming a platform for the most important issues of our time,” he said.
“We’re doing this because we believe Ai Wei Wei is an important artist.”
The response from Ai Wei Wei’s homeland?
“There’s been virtually no response at all from the Chinese government,” Teitlebaum said. Perhaps a form of critical response, not to get a response.”
One of the sculptures is a tower of 85 bicycles. A much larger version is scheduled to be displayed at Nathan Phillips Square on October 5 for Nuit Blanche.
“Ai Wei Wei: According to What?” runs August 17 until October 27.
